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U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $11.5 Million in Emergency Relief Funds for Six States

FHWA 25-13

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $11.5 Million in Emergency Relief Funds for Six States

WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is providing $11.5 million in emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help six states cover the costs of repairing roads and bridges damaged by a variety of natural disasters in the last year.

"Communities across the country are recovering from disasters that have damaged the roads they rely on to get around" said Secretary LaHood. "We are doing everything we can to reimburse communities for the work they have done to restore highway operations and other transportation needs."

Funds from the FHWA’s Emergency Relief Program will reimburse California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Oregon and Washington for repairs made to roads and bridges that were damaged by flooding, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

California will receive $3.8 million for costs associated with repairing roads in and around San Mateo County damaged during the heavy rains in December 2012. Florida will receive nearly $2 million for costs associated with repairs to roads and bridges in Martin, Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties damaged by Tropical Storm Isaac last August.

A complete list of states and funding amounts is below.

"States and communities can rely on the federal government during these critical times," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "When disaster strikes, we do all we can to provide the help needed to speed recovery."

Costs of fixing or replacing highways, bridges and other roadway structures are eligible for reimbursement through FHWA’s emergency relief program, as are costs associated with detours, debris removal and other measures needed to restore traffic flow in impacted areas.